Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) plans to start series production at its battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary, in March or April next year, pending the receipt of necessary permits. According to Matt Shen, general manager for European operations, module assembly launched in 2024 and has already produced 30,000 electric vehicle modules at the site. Cell production infrastructure is nearing completion, with production lines being installed continuously to meet the targeted start date.
To support ramp-up, CATL intends to increase the local workforce from 1,000 to 1,500 employees in the first quarter of next year. Shen noted that electric vehicles now account for 26 percent of total vehicle sales in Europe, a figure projected to rise to 29 percent by year end. Founded 15 years ago, CATL today works with around 200 automakers and holds a global market share of nearly 38 percent.
The company’s new battery, designed specifically for European conditions, is rated to deliver more than 750 kilometers of range on a single charge, with rapid charging performance even in extreme cold. CATL’s German facility is already operational, and a third plant in Spain is currently under development.
Balázs Szilágyi, CATL’s public affairs manager, reported that the third version of the environmental permit for the Debrecen site has been submitted. This latest filing reflects a 43 percent reduction in overall emissions and a one-third decrease in both water and energy consumption compared with prior estimates. Until the plant connects to the local water network in spring, it will use a combination of surface water from the Tisza River, rainwater, and treated wastewater. Szilágyi also confirmed that restrictions on the solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) have been tightened to one milligram per cubic meter.
Recruitment manager Alexandra Kitta stated that two-thirds of the current workforce is local, with the remainder drawn from abroad. CATL aims to maximize local hiring through partnerships with the Debrecen Vocational Training Center and the University of Debrecen. The company also contributes to the city’s cultural initiatives. Upon full completion, the plant is expected to have the annual capacity to power more than one million electric vehicles.
Source: Hungary Today
